The government will temporarily ease the progressive electricity rate applied to households for July and August to reduce their burden of electricity bills amid this summer's heat wave.

Energy Minister Paik Un-gyu revealed the plan on Tuesday during a meeting between government officials and ruling Democratic Party lawmakers on tackling the record hot weather.

The government expects the move will reduce electricity bills by 19-point-five percent on average per household or by a total of 276 billion won. 

Paik also said the government will come up with ways to help the socially vulnerable beat sizzling temperatures.

South Korea applies incremental electricity rates only to households, which are charged higher rates the more electricity they use.

On Monday, President Moon Jae-in called on officials to swiftly finalize measures to address households' concerns over steep power charges, and to increase discounts for low-income households.